NEW DELHI, May 9:
Keen to get Indian pharmaceutical products, a Saudi Parliamentary delegation here today met Union Health and Family Welfare Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad.
‘A Parliamentary delegation led by Dr Abdullah Bin Mohammed bin Ibrahim Al Al-Sheikh, Speaker of Majlis Ash Shura (Consultative Council) of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia called on the Union Health and Family Welfare Minister,’ an official statement said.
The delegation is on a three-day official visit to India.
Recalling the close relations reflecting centuries-old economic and socio-cultural ties between India and Saudi Arabia Mr Azad said, ‘There has been an upsurge in Indian investments in the Kingdom, especially after the signing of the Bilateral Investment Protection Agreement during the earlier visit of King Abdullah to India in January 2006.’
The signing of Riyadh declaration also during the February 2010 visit of Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh further laid the groundwork for new era of strategic partnership between the two countries, the Minister said.
Talking of issues pertaining to health sector, Mr Azad shared the Indian experience in the areas of innovations in healthcare service delivery, interventions in making healthcare accessible and equitable and strength in producing good quality generic drugs at affordable prices.
The Minister also suggested that India could help Saudi Arabia with the knowhow of setting up medical colleges as also with medicine supplies.
He told that India is the fourth largest producer of pharmaceuticals in the world in terms of volume and 13th largest in terms of value.
‘Indian pharmaceutical products are exported to about 211 countries around the world and have been acknowledged at many a UN forum for their good quality, safety and efficacy,’ he added.
Mr Azad particularly appreciated the excellent arrangements put in place by Saudi Arabia for the comfort of Haj pilgrims.
The leader of the Saudi delegation said they would welcome help from India for transfer of medical technology and also help with medical education as India possesses the technical capacity.
He said bilateral visits not only help enhance understanding between the two countries but also help highlight areas of possible cooperation.
The delegation informed that currently the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia imports about five billion dollar worth of pharmaceuticals.
Considering Indian pharma companies are among the world leaders, Dr Abdullah Bin Mohammed bin Ibrahim said they would be keen to extend the incentives given by their Government to Indian pharma industry to set up base in Saudi Arabia with the objective of producing affordable medicines to meet local and regional needs. (UNI)
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